World War II

World War II: 

World War II Rise of Totalitarians 2nd Great War Cold War Begins

Conservative Authoritarianism: 

Conservative Authoritarianism Traditional form of antidemocratic government in Europe (e.g., Metternich, Catherine the Great) Prevented major changes undermining existing social order Popular participation in government forbidden or severely limited

Conservative Authoritarianism: 

Conservative Authoritarianism Limited in power and in objectives (usually sought status quo) Lacked modern technology and communications and could not control many aspects of their subjects’ lives. Usually limited demands to taxes, army recruits, and passive acceptance of the regime Conservative Authoritarianism revived after WWI, especially in less-developed Eastern Europe and Spain and Portugal; only Czechoslovakia remained democratic. Great Depression ended various levels of democracy in Austria, Bulgaria, Rumania, Greece, Estonia, and Latvia

vs. Totalitarianism: 

vs. Totalitarianism Dictatorship that tried to control every aspect of the lives of the people. New technology made this possible: radio, automobile, telephone Tools of totalitarianism: censorship, indoctrination, terror Existed first in Russia, then Italy?, Japan and Germany (sought expansion, except Russia)

Russia: Under Vladimir I. Lenin: 

Russia: Under Vladimir I. Lenin Marxist-Leninist philosophy Theory of imperialism: imperialism is the highest form of capitalism (haves vs. have nots) "New type of party": cadre of educated professional revolutionaries to serve development of political class consciousness & guidance of the "Dictatorship of Proletariat" Comintern (Third Communists International) --created in 1919 Was to serve as the preliminary step of the International Republic of Soviets towards the world wide victory of Communism

Russia: Under Vladimir I. Lenin: 

Russia: Under Vladimir I. Lenin Ruthless oppression: secret police (Cheka) liquidated about 250,000 opponents War communism: The socialization (nationalization) of all means of production & central planning of the economy First mass communist society in world history Purpose was to win the Russian Civil War Bolsheviks destroyed the economy: mass starvation from crop failures, decrease in industrial output

Russia: Under Vladimir I. Lenin: 

Russia: Under Vladimir I. Lenin Kronstadt Rebellion (1921) Mutiny by previously pro-Bolshevik sailors in March at Kronstadt naval base had to be crushed with machine gun fire. Caused by impact of the economic disaster and social upheaval of the Russian Civil War. Major cause for Lenin instituting NEP

Lenin’s NEP – New Economic Policy 1921-28 : 

Lenin’s NEP – New Economic Policy 1921-28 Sought to eliminate harsh aspects of War Communism: response to peasant revolts, military mutiny, and economic ruin Some Capitalist measures allowed (Lenin: "necessary step backwards") Gov't not to seize surplus grain; peasants could sell grain on the open market Small manufacturers allowed to run own businesses Gov't still in control of heavy industry, banks and railroads.

Lenin’s NEP – New Economic Policy 1921-28: 

Lenin’s NEP – New Economic Policy 1921-28 Results: economy improved Industry and agricultural output back to pre-WWI levels Workers shorter hours/better conditions Temporary relaxing of terror and censorship

USSR: 

USSR Russia renamed to Soviet Union in 1923 (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics -- USSR)

USSR - Power Struggle: 

USSR - Power Struggle Power struggle ensued after Lenin’s death in 1924: he left no chosen successor Joseph Stalin believed in "Socialism in one Country": first, Russia had to be strong Establishment of a Socialist economy without the aid of the West Leon Trotsky believed in "permanent revolution": continuing a world revolution Party leaders believed Trotsky was too idealistic; Russia first had to survive Stalin gained control in 1927 and had total control by 1929; Trotsky exiled

Russia under Stalin: 

Russia under Stalin Entire Politburo from Lenin's time was eventually purged leaving Stalin in absolute control. Trotsky & Stalin

Stalin’s 5-Year Plans: 

Stalin’s 5-Year Plans "Revolution from above" (1st Five Year Plan), 1928; marked end of NEP Objectives: Total industrial output to increase by 250%; steel by 300%; agriculture by 150% 1/5 of peasants were scheduled to give up their private plots and join collective farms “We are 50 or 100 years behind the advanced countries. We must make good this distance in 10 years. Either we do it or we shall go under.”

Stalin’s 5-Year Plans: 

Stalin’s 5-Year Plans Results: steel up 400% (now 2nd largest steel producer in Europe); oil up 300%; massive urbanization (25 million people moved to cities) Costs: quality of goods suspect; standard of living did not rise

Collectivization : 

Collectivization Was the greatest of all costs Purpose: bring peasantry under absolute control of the communist state Consolidation of individual peasant farms into large, state-controlled enterprises. Farmers paid according to amount of work; portion of harvest paid to gov't Goals: Use of machines in farm production, to free more people to work in industry Gov't control over production Extend socialism to countryside

Collectivization: 

Collectivization Opposed by farmers as it placed them in a bound situation like the mirs. Kulaks, wealthiest peasants, offered greatest resistance to collectivization Stalin ordered party workers to "liquidate them as a class." 10 million dead due to collectivization (7 million in forced starvation in Ukraine)

Collectivization: 

Collectivization Agricultural output no greater than in 1913 By 1933, 60% of peasant families were on collective farms; 93% by 1938. Eventually, the state was assured of grain for bread for urban workers who were more important politically than the peasants. Collective farmers first had to meet grain quotas before feeding themselves.

"Off to collective work," a Soviet poster.: 

"Off to collective work," a Soviet poster.

Structure of USSR Gov't : 

Structure of USSR Gov't Central Committee: was the apex of Soviet power (about 70 people in 1930s) Politburo: About a dozen members; dominated discussions of policy and personnel General Secretary: highest position of power; created by Stalin

Stalin’s Propaganda Campaign: 

Stalin’s Propaganda Campaign Purpose: To glorify work to soviet people--an at­tempt to encourage worker productivity Used technology for propaganda Newspapers (esp. Pravda), films, and radio broadcasts emphasized socialist achievements and capitalist plots. Sergei Eisenstein: patriotic Russian filmmaker Writers & artists expected to glorify Stalin and the state; work was closely monitored Religion was persecuted: Stalin hoped to turn churches into "museums of atheism"

“Long live the great Stalin” 1938. : 

“Long live the great Stalin” 1938.

"Under the Leadership of the Great Stalin." 1951: 

"Under the Leadership of the Great Stalin." 1951

Benefits for Workers : 

Benefits for Workers Old-age pensions, free medical services, free education, and day-care centers for children Education was key to improving one’s position: specialized skills and technical education. Many Russians saw themselves building world’s first socialist society while capitalism crumbled during the Great Depression USSR attracted many disillusioned Westerners to communism in the 1930s.

Women: 

Women Russian Revolution immediately proclaimed complete equality of rights for women. In 1920s divorce and abortion made easily available. Women urged to work outside the home and liberate themselves sexually. Many women worked as professionals and in universities. Women still expected to do household chores in off hours as Soviet men considered home and children women’s responsibility. Men continued to monopolize the best jobs. Rapid change and economic hardship led to many broken families.

Great Terror (1934-38) : 

Great Terror (1934-38) First directed against peasants after 1929, terror used increasingly on leading Communists, powerful administrators, and ordinary people, often for no apparent reason. The "Great Terror" resulted in 8 million arrests Show trials used eradicate "enemies of the people" (usually ex-party members) Late 1930s, dozens of Old Bolsheviks tried and executed (Lenin's closest followers) Purges: 40,000 army officers were expelled or liquidated (weakened USSR in WWII) Millions of citizens were killed, died in labor camps, or simply disappeared

Gulags: 

Gulags Prison camps Located in isolated areas such as Siberia Many sentenced to 20-25 yrs Many died in the camps due to malnutrition & worked to death

Fascist Italy: 

Fascist Italy Causes for rise of fascism In early 20th century, Italy was a liberal state with civil rights and constitutional monarchy. Versailles Treaty: Italian nationalists angry that Italy did not receive any Austrian or Ottoman territory, (Italia Irredenta) or Germany’s African colonies as promised. Depression in 1919 caused nationwide strikes and class tension

Fascist Italy: 

Fascist Italy Causes for rise of fascism Cont. Wealthy classes fearful of communist revolution looked to strong anti-communist leader By 1921 revolutionary socialists, conservatives and property owners were all opposed to liberal parliamentary government. Fascism in Italy eventually a combination of conservative authoritarianism and modern totalitarianism (although not as extreme as Russia or Germany)

Benito Mussolini (1883-1945) ("Il Duce") : 

Benito Mussolini (1883-1945) ("Il Duce") Organized the Fascist party Combination of socialism and nationalism: territorial expansion, benefits for workers, and land reform for peasants. Named after fasces: the rods carried by Imperial Roman officials as symbols of power. Initially, failed to succeed because of competition from well-organized Socialists. 1920, Mussolini gained support of conservative classes and frightened middle class for anti-Socialist rhetoric; abandoned his socialist programs.

Benito Mussolini (1883-1945) ("Il Duce"): 

Benito Mussolini (1883-1945) ("Il Duce") Blackshirts (squadristi): Paramilitary forces attacked Communists, socialists, and other enemies of the fascist program (later, Hitler's "Brown Shirts" followed this example)

Benito Mussolini (1883-1945) ("Il Duce"): 

Benito Mussolini (1883-1945) ("Il Duce") March on Rome, October 1922: led to Mussolini taking power Mussolini demanded resignation of existing gov’t and his own appointment by the king. Large group of Fascists marched on Rome to threaten king to accept Mussolini's demands. Government collapsed; Mussolini received right to organize a new cabinet (government). Victor Emmanuel III gave him dictatorial powers for 1 year to end nation’s social unrest.

Corporate State : 

Corporate State Was the economic basis for Italian fascism. “Everything in the state, nothing outside the state, nothing against the state.” By 1928, all independent labor unions organized into government-controlled syndicates Established organizations of workers and employers and outlawed strikes and walkouts. Created corporations which coordinated activities between worker-employer syndicates. Authority from the top, unlike socialist corporate states where workers made decisions.

Corporate State: 

Corporate State Right to vote severely limited. All candidates for Italian parliament selected by Fascist party. Gov’t ruled by decree. Dedicated fascists put in control of schools. Created fascist youth movement, labor unions, and other fascist organizations: Dopolavoro (After Work) and Balilla (Fascist Youth Organization) failed to regulate leisure time.

Mussolini Never Became All-Powerful : 

Mussolini Never Became All-Powerful Failed in attempt to “Fascistize” Italian society by controlling leisure time Old power structure of conservatives, military, and church remained intact. Mussolini never attempted to purge conservative classes. He propagandized and controlled labor but left big business to regulate itself. No land reform occurred Did not establish ruthless police state (only 23 political prisoners executed bet. 1926-1944) Racial laws not passed until 1938 and savage persecution of Jews not until late in WWII when Italy was under Nazi control.

Italian Women: 

Italian Women Divorce abolished and women told to stay home and procreate. Decreed a special tax on bachelors in 1934. 1938, women limited by law to a maximum of 10% of better-paying jobs in industry & gov't

Fascist Accomplishments: 

Fascist Accomplishments Internal improvements made such as electrification and roadbuilding. More efficient municipal governing. Suppression of the Mafia Improvement of the justice system (except for “enemies of the state”) Lateran Pact, 1929, resulted in reconciliation with the papacy Vatican recognized as a tiny independent state; received $92 mil for seized church lands In return, Pope Pius XII recognized legitimacy of the Italian state.

Fascist Failures : 

Fascist Failures Italian democracy destroyed Terrorism became a state policy. Poor industrial growth due to militarism and colonialism. Disastrous wars resulted from attempt to recapture imperialistic glories of Ancient Rome.

NAZI GERMANY: 

NAZI GERMANY Roots of Nazism: Extreme nationalism + racism = Nazism

Adolf Hitler: 

Adolf Hitler Became leader of National German Workers Party (NAZI) after WWI S.A.: "Brown Shirts" terrorized political opponents on the streets Beer Hall Putsch, 1923: Hitler failed to overthrow Bavaria and sentenced to 1 year in jail Hitler realized he'd have to take control of Germany legally, not through revolution

Hitler’s SA: 

Hitler’s SA

Mein Kampf: 

Mein Kampf 1923 written while in jail: became the blueprint for Hitler's future plans Lebensraum (“living space”): Germans should expand east, liquidate the Jews and turn the Slavs into slave labor Anti-Semitism: Hitler blamed the Jews for Germany's political and economic problems Leader-dictator, Fuhrer, would have unlimited arbitrary power

Fall of Weimar Republic the Result of the Great Depression : 

Fall of Weimar Republic the Result of the Great Depression Unemployment reached 43% by end of 1932 Hitler began promising German voters economic, political, and military salvation. Hitler promised big business leaders he would restore the economy by breaking Germany’s strong labor movement and reducing workers’ wages if necessary. Hitler assured top army leaders that the Nazis would reject the Versailles Treaty and rearm Germany. Nazis also appealed to German youth: 40% of party under age 30 in 1931; 67% under 40

Fall of Weimar Republic the Result of the Great Depression: 

Fall of Weimar Republic the Result of the Great Depression 1930, Chancellor gained permission from President Hindenburg for emergency rule by decree Struggle between Social Democrats & Communists contributed to breakdown of gov't. Nazi's won largest percentage of votes in the Reichstag in 1933 elections Hitler becomes Chancellor on January 30, 1933; appointed by Hindenburg.

Third Reich (1933-1945) Hitler Consolidates Power : 

Third Reich (1933-1945) Hitler Consolidates Power Reichstag fire: occurred during violent electoral campaign: used by Nazis to crack down on communists Enabling Act: (March 1933) passed by Reichstag – Gleichschaltung (“coordination”) Gave Hitler absolute dictatorial power for four years Only the Nazi party was legal Hitler outlawed strikes and abolished independent labor unions.

Third Reich (1933-1945) Hitler Consolidates Power: 

Third Reich (1933-1945) Hitler Consolidates Power Publishers, universities, and writers brought into line Democratic, socialist, and Jewish literature put on blacklists. Students and professors burned forbidden books in public squares. Modern art and architecture was prohibited ("degenerate art") Joseph Goebbles: minister of propaganda effectively glorified Hitler and the Nazi state

Third Reich (1933-1945) Hitler Consolidates Power: 

Third Reich (1933-1945) Hitler Consolidates Power “Night of Long Knives” (June 1934) Hitler realized the army and big business were suspicious of the S.A. Hitler’s elite personal guard—the SS—arrested and shot without trial about 1,000 SA leaders and other political enemies. S.S. grew dramatically in influence as Hitler's private army and secret police Led by Heinrich Himmler SS joined with the political police, the Gestapo, to expand its network of special courts and concentration camps.

Goebbles, Himmler, & SS : 

Goebbles, Himmler, & SS

Persecution of Jews : 

Persecution of Jews By the end of 1934, most Jewish lawyers, doctors, professors, civil servants, and musicians had lost their jobs and the right to practice their professions. Nurembrg Laws of 1935 deprived Jews of all rights of citizenship. By 1938, 25% of German Jews had emigrated (many were the "cream of the crop")

Kristallnacht 1938 (“The Night of Broken Glass”) : 

Kristallnacht 1938 (“The Night of Broken Glass”) Using assassination of a German diplomat in Paris by young Jewish boy as pretense, Hitler ordered an attack on Jewish communities. Well-organized wave of violence destroyed homes, synagogues, and businesses. Thousands of Jews were arrested and made to pay for the damage.

Kristallnacht: 

Kristallnacht

Holocaust: 

Holocaust 6 million European Jews eventually killed during WWII ("Final Solution") Other victims of persecution included Slavs, Gypsies, Jehovah’s Witnesses, communists, homosexuals, mentally handicapped, and political opponents (totaled 6 million by 1945)

Holocaust: 

Holocaust

Hitler Youth: 

Hitler Youth Nazis indoctrinated German youths along Children encouraged to turn in teachers or even their parents if they seemed disloyal to the Reich

German Economic Recovery : 

German Economic Recovery Contributed to Hitler's soaring popularity Hitler delivered on his economic promise of “work and bread.” Large public works program started to get Germany out of the depression. Included superhighways (autobahn), offices, gigantic sports stadiums, and public housing. 1936, Germany began rearmament and government spending began to focus on the military.

Results: 

Results Unemployment dropped from 6 million in January 1933, to about one million in late 1936. 1938, shortage of workers; women took many jobs earlier denied by antifeminist Nazis. By 1938 standard of living for the average employed worker increased moderately. Profits of business rose sharply.

Nazi Society : 

Nazi Society Was there really a social revolution? Quantitative studies show that well-educated classes held on to most of their advantages. Only a modest social leveling occurred. Like Italy, women were viewed as housewives and mothers. Only in wartime were large numbers of women mobilized for work in offices & factories.

WWII - Failure of Collective Security: 

WWII - Failure of Collective Security Treaty of Versailles did not create an enduring peace by severely punishing Germany and triggering future resentment against the "dictated peace." League of Nations, without (US & USSR) didn't have will nor support to maintain peace.

WWII - Failure of Collective Security: 

WWII - Failure of Collective Security Washington Naval Conference, 1921-22: did not stop naval arms race Five Power Treaty: created a 5-5-3 battleship ratio between U.S., Britain and Japan Four Power Treaty replaced Anglo-Japanese Alliance of 1902: Bound Br., Japan, France, and U.S. to preserve status quo in the Pacific, a concession to Japan’s favor. Nine Power Treaty agreed to uphold the Open Door in China

WWII - Failure of Collective Security: 

WWII - Failure of Collective Security Locarno Pact, 1925: "spirit of Locarno" no longer relevant once Hitler took power Kellogg-Briand Pact, 1928: "war is illegal"; not enforceable Great Depression resulted in the rise of fascism in Japan and Germany Japanese invasion of Manchuria, 1931: League did little; Japan pulled out of League Hitler withdrew from League of Nations, 1933: secretly begins rearmament

WWII - Failure of Collective Security: 

WWII - Failure of Collective Security Stresa Front, 1935: Mussolini and others concerned Hitler withdrew from Versailles Treaty Italy, France, and Britain protested strongly, understanding the danger; agreed to use force to maintain status quo. However only a year later, Mussolini allied with Hitler to help fascists win in Spain Italian invasion of Ethiopia, 1935: League of Nations ineffective in its actions and protests

Spanish Civil War: 

Spanish Civil War 1936: Mussolini and Hitler use conflict as a testing ground for their military forces: Italy's army; Germany's airforce -- Luftwaffe Fascism prevails under Francisco Franco; also known as Falangists (or Royalists) League ineffective in helping republicans (Loyalists) against Franco. Rome-Berlin Axis formed )"Fascintern"): an alliance between fascist Italy and Germany

Increase of Tensions: 

Increase of Tensions German reoccupation of the Rhineland, 1936: violated Versailles Treaty and Locarno Pact France unwilling to enforce the treaty without British aid; British didn't want another war Anti-Comintern Pact, 1937: Italy signed with Germany to oppose communism in Europe. Japan invades China, 1937: world watches the "rape of Shanghai" but does little

Road to World War II: 

Road to World War II Hitler repudiates Versailles Treaty and begins massive rearmament in mid-1930s Anschluss: Germany annexes Austria, 1938 Sudetenland: Hitler demanded the German-speaking province in Czechoslovakia or else there would be war Munich Conference, 1938 arranged by British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain Attended by Britain, France, Italy & Germany; Czechoslovakia or Russia not invited! British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain adopted a policy of appeasement

Munich Conference: 

Munich Conference

Road to World War II: 

Road to World War II Appeasement: making concessions to an aggressor in order to achieve peace Pacifism is prevalent in Britain and France: memories of horrors of WWI; don't want war Agreement: Czechoslovakia forced to give away Sudetenland Chamberlain returns to Britain a hero: "peace in our time"

Road to World War II: 

Road to World War II German invasion of Czechoslovakia, spring1939: Hitler double-crosses Chamberlain Hitler makes demands on port city of Danzig in the Polish Corridor Chamberlain says if Germany attacks Poland there will be war Hitler does not want a two-front war against France & Britain in west and Russia in east

Road to World War II: 

Road to World War II Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact, Aug. 1939 World shocked that archenemies Hitler and Stalin would make such an agreement Hitler sought assurances USSR would not attack Germany if Germany invaded Poland Public agreement: nonaggression treaty Private agreement: Germany and USSR would invade Poland and split the country in half.

Road to World War II: 

Road to World War II Germany invades Poland, Sept. 1, 1939: marks beginning of World War II September 3, Britain & France declare war on Germany

Blitzkrieg (“Lightning War"): 

Blitzkrieg (“Lightning War") New form of warfare used by Germany to quickly defeat an enemy by poking a hole in enemy line and cutting off front lines from the rear thus surrounding enemy. Used coordinated attack on one part of enemy line with airforce, tanks, and artillery Poland defeated in about a month; partition occurred when USSR attacked from east Stalin invades Finland (1939) and annexes Estonia, Latvia, & Lithuania (1940) to create a buffer zone, believing Hitler will one day invade Soviet Union

Sitzkrieg (“Phony War”) : 

Sitzkrieg (“Phony War”) After Poland, a 7-month lull ensued, causing some to say WWII was a myth. The world waited to see where Hitler might strike next. Spring 1940: Hitler invaded Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium & Luxembourg

Fall of France: 

Fall of France June 1940 occurred in less than six weeks Dunkirk: thousands of French and British soldiers trapped on beaches of France Before Germans came in for the kill, thousands were rescued by armada of British vessels Vichy France: Hitler did not wish to waste time subduing all of France Puppet gov't created in southern France “Free French” led by General Charles De Gaulle, who fled to Britain

Battle of Britain: 

Battle of Britain One of most critical battles of the war Hitler sought to soften Britain up for an invasion ("Operation Sealion") Luftwaffe (led by Herman Goring, one of Hitler's inner circle) sent to destroy Royal Air Force (RAF) Winston Churchill emerged as inspirational war leader of Britain After almost defeating RAF, Hitler ordered bombing of London: fatal error RAF recovered and ultimately defeated Luftwaffe: Hitler forced to call off invasion of Britain Significance: Hitler had to guard against a future two-front war; D-Day launched from Britain

Battle of Britain: 

Battle of Britain

Tripartite Pact 1940 : 

Tripartite Pact 1940 Japan added to Rome-Berlin axis for mutual defense and military support

German invasion of Soviet Union : 

German invasion of Soviet Union June 1941: Hitler's attempt at "lebensraum" "Scorched Earth": Soviets destroyed anything of value as they withdrew to deprive German army of resources; 1,000's of towns disappeared! By winter, Germans at the gates of Moscow; lay siege to Leningrad (lasted two years) In Soviet Union, WWII became known as “Great Patriotic War of the Fatherland”

Atlantic Charter : 

Atlantic Charter Churchill and FDR meet secretly after invasion of Soviet Union Decide once Axis Powers defeated, there would be no territorial changes contrary to the wishes inhabitants (self-determination) Called for “a permanent system of general security”: later became the United Nations Stalin endorsed the agreement soon thereafter

U.S. Neutrality : 

U.S. Neutrality Neutrality Acts in 1930s prevented FDR from drawing U.S. into the conflict earlier Lend-Lease Act (1941) gave large amounts of money and supplies to help Britain and Soviets; effectively ended U.S. neutrality Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941, resulted in U.S. entry into the war Hitler declared war on U.S.: another fatal blunder! Instead of focusing on Japan, U.S. (along with Britain) would instead focus on defeating Germany first.

The Grand Alliance : 

The Grand Alliance Formed in 1942: Britain, Soviet Union and U.S. and 2 dozen other countries Lend-Lease Planes

Turning Points in the War: 

Turning Points in the War Stalingrad, Dec. 1942: first Nazi defeat on land; Soviets began the 2.5 year campaign of pushing the German army back to Berlin “Operation Torch”, 1943: U.S. and British forces landed on North Africa El Alamein: British drove the Germans out of Egypt Germany eventually defeated and suffered mass casualties and surrenders. Invasion of Sicily and Italy, 1943

Stalingrad: 

Stalingrad

D-Day: 

D-Day Operation Overlord, June 6, 1944: invasion of Normandy (northern French coast) Western front established; spelled end of Nazi domination of Europe; Paris liberated 1 month later Hitler now fighting on three fronts: east against Russians, west against U.S. and Britain (& France) and Italy against U.S. and Britain

D-Day: 

D-Day

D-Day: 

D-Day

Battle of the Bulge: 

Battle of the Bulge Dec. 1944: Hitler's last gasp offensive to drive Allies away from western German border; after it failed, Allies quickly penetrated deep into Germany in 1945.

Battle of the Bulge: 

Battle of the Bulge

Battle of the Bulge: 

Battle of the Bulge

V-E Day: 

V-E Day May 8, 1945: Germany surrenders Hitler committed suicide a few days earlier April 30, 1945

Diplomacy During the War: 

Diplomacy During the War Casablanca Conference, 1943: FDR and Churchill declared a policy of unconditional surrender for “all enemies” Italy would be invaded first before opening 2nd Front in France (to Stalin's dismay) Moscow Conference: 1943: US obtained Soviet agreement to enter the war against Japan after Germany was defeated and to participate in a world organization after the war was ove

Diplomacy During the War: 

Diplomacy During the War Tehran Conference, 1943: First meeting of the “Big Three”: Roosevelt, Churchill, Stalin Allies agreed to an invasion of the Western Europe in 1944. Stalin reaffirmed the Soviet commitment to enter the war against Japan Stalin insisted on Soviet control of Eastern Europe and the carving up of Germany Churchill demanded free governments in Eastern Europe and a strong Germany after the war to preserve a balance of power in Europe. Roosevelt acted as a mediator and believed he could work with Stalin to achieve a post-world peace within the construct of the United Nations.

Diplomacy During the War: 

Diplomacy During the War Yalta Conference, 1945: "Big Three" met again Stalin agreed to enter Pacific war within 3 months after Germany surrendered Stalin agreed to a “Declaration of Liberated Europe” which called for free elections. Called for United Nations to meet in U.S. beginning in April 1945 Germany to be divided into occupied zones and a coalition government of communists and non-communists was agreed to for Poland. U.S.S.R. allowed to keep its pre-1939 territory. FDR accepted Soviet control of Outer Mongolia, the Kurile Islands, the southern half of Sakhalin Island, Port Arthur (Darien), and partial operation of the Manchurian railroads.

Diplomacy During the War: 

Diplomacy During the War Potsdam Conference, July 1945: Stalin, Harry Truman and Clement Atlee Issued warning to Japan of unconditional surrender or face utter devastation Stalin reversed his position on eastern Europe stating there would be no free elections Approvals given to concept of war-crimes trials and the demilitarization and denazification of Germany. Reparations from Germany could be taken from each respective zone. During conference Truman ordered dropping of atomic bomb on Japan

End of the War Against Japan : 

End of the War Against Japan U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Effects of WWII: 

Effects of WWII

Results of the War: 

Results of the War About 55 million dead (including missing); 22 million in USSR alone Holocaust resulted in deaths of 6 million Jews and 6 million others Hitler's "Final Solution" to the Jewish problem Formal plan came at Wanasee Conference in 1942 Six death camps built in Poland in addition to hundreds of concentration camps Auschwitz was most notorious

Results of the War: 

Results of the War Millions homeless and millions relocated (especially Germans living outside Germany) Much of Europe lay in ruins: would take years to rebuild economy Women played even larger role in the war economy than in WWI (gained more rights after war) The U.S. and Soviet Union emerged as the two dominant powers in the postwar world = Cold War